Posted by floatingbridge on June 29, 2011, at 17:55:30
In reply to Re: What do you do when you can't work anymore? » alchemy, posted by zonked on June 29, 2011, at 12:25:55
> > I don't qualify for short-term disability because it's pre-existing, nor fmla because I haven't been there a year.
> >
> > I guess that leaves me with disability. I am going to have to get ECT. How do people afford to live if they are single with barely any money? I've alway pushed myself to work, but it's getting too much. And if I do get better, my resume history sucks.
>
> I am assuming you don't live in California or DC, which rules out State Disability. That leaves you with SSDI/SSI.
I would recommend you call a disability attorney (the yellow pages should be fine) should you decide to pursue this, as the process is cumbersome.
>
> If you are approved, the good news is that you should get Medicaid right away, which will take care of doctor's visits and
meds. Medicare will come a little bit later. If you've worked enough and qualify for SSDI, it will come within a year - if not and you just get SSI alone, you'll get Medicaid right away but Medicare will take another two years. (I know. It's utterly confusing.)
>
> While the amount of money isn't great, the health coverage is *really* helpful.
>
> And it's not a permanent sentence either - I expect to be working again by
the end of the year.
>
> Whatever you do, do NOT apply for SSDI/SSI alone without the aid of an
attorney or paralegal. Any little check
box wrong or one piece of missing or slightly incorrect information and your app will be rejected, which will set you back at least 3 months. (Just my advice.)
>
> -z
This sounds like very good practical advice. Does anyone know if it's wise to get this process started (since it can be very lengthy) prior to deciding (to accept disability)?Disability leave isn't inherently permanent, though I think people tend
to think of it that way. When I was on unemployment for awhile, I was
surprised that I felt very guilty for applying and accepting it. I needed to be reminded that it is part of a national safety net, however threadbare it may
be, and it is really just o.k. to accept this help.I did have to to deal with the attitude of my postal carrier (wtf!) whose attitude towards me became a little icy when my
checks started to arrive :-/Please don't let anyone's attitudes/
opinions cloud your decision making process. Taking care of yourself is important. I support that any which way.
fb
* and whoever gazes at the stars will never again be quite alone...
c-ptsd & attendant health concerns
poster:floatingbridge
thread:989473
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110619/msgs/989781.html